Soft and Fluffy Indian Fry Bread Tacos

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This recipe delivers a fun and delicious twist on tacos, using soft, puffy Indian Fry Bread as the shell. It’s a full, high-quality meal ready in minutes!
Ingredients
For the Soft & Fluffy Fry Bread

  • 3 cups **all-purpose flour**
  • 1 tbsp **baking powder**
  • 1 tsp **fine salt**
  • 1 tbsp **sugar** (optional but makes softer bread)
  • 1 ½ cups **warm water** or **warm milk**
  • 2–3 tbsp **vegetable oil** (for the dough)
  • Extra flour for dusting
  • Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut)

For the Taco Meat

  • 1 lb (450 g) **ground beef**
  • 1 small **onion**, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves **garlic**, minced
  • 1 packet **taco seasoning** *or:*
    • 1 tsp **chili powder**
    • 1 tsp **paprika**
    • 1 tsp **cumin**
    • ½ tsp **oregano**
    • ½ tsp **black pepper**
  • **Salt** to taste
  • ⅓ cup **water** or **broth**

Toppings

  • Shredded **lettuce**
  • Diced **tomatoes**
  • Shredded **cheddar cheese**
  • **Sour cream**
  • Sliced **olives**
  • **Salsa** or **taco sauce**
  • **Avocado** or **guacamole** (optional)

Instructions

  1. **Make the Fry Bread Dough**In a large bowl, whisk together **flour**, **baking powder**, **salt**, and **sugar**.

    Add **warm water** (or milk) and the **2–3 tbsp oil**.

    Mix with your hand or a wooden spoon until a **soft, sticky dough** forms. **DO NOT knead**; simply fold it together gently.

    Cover the bowl and let the dough **rest for 20–30 minutes**. *Resting helps the bread become soft and fluffy.*

  2. **Shape the Fry Bread**Divide the dough into **8 equal balls**.

    Dust each ball lightly with flour.

    Flatten gently with your hands into circles **6–8 inches wide**. Do not roll too thin—you want puffy, soft fry bread.

  3. **Fry the Bread**Heat frying oil in a deep skillet to **350°F / 175°C**.

    Gently place one dough circle into the oil.

    Fry **45–60 seconds per side** until golden, puffed, and soft.

    Drain on paper towels. Keep the fried bread warm under a clean towel while you fry the rest.

  4. **Cook the Taco Meat**In a separate skillet, sauté **onion** until soft.

    Add **ground beef** and cook until browned. Add **garlic** and stir.

    Add **taco seasoning** (or individual spices) and **water/broth**.

    Simmer **5–7 minutes** until the mixture is thick and flavorful.

  5. **Assemble the Indian Fry Bread Tacos**Place a warm piece of fry bread on a plate.

    Add a spoonful of seasoned beef.

    Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, salsa, and anything else you love.

    Serve immediately—fry bread tastes best fresh!

✅ Pro Tips for Soft, Fluffy Bread

  • Use **warm liquid**, not cold.
  • **Do not over-knead** the dough.
  • Always **let the dough rest** for 20-30 minutes.
  • **Do not roll it too thin** before frying.
  • Fry in **hot oil (350°F / 175°C)** so it puffs instantly.

Since fry bread is best served immediately, would you like a suggestion for a quick and fresh salad to serve alongside your tacos?

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